Fortified Churches, Farm, Carriage

Fortified Churches, Farm, Carriage, 11 to 12 hours.

Overview

This full-day tour from Sibiu, run by Agramonia, spends 11 to 12 hours on Transylvania's villages, fortified churches and working countryside. It is a private outing, so only your group takes part, with a local guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. The first stop is the 13th-century Cistercian monastery at Cârța, known to film fans as the setting of the movie The Nun. From there the route continues to the fortified church at Cincu, whose tower stands 49 metres high.

The middle of the day belongs to rural life. In Seliștat you visit an actual sheepfold and taste fresh milk products, and there is a short hike among the unusual natural mounds at Movile, with local legends thrown in. The day closes with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village of Stejărișu before sunset. Round-trip transport from Sibiu in an air-conditioned vehicle, all monastery and church entrance fees, the hike, the carriage ride and the sheepfold visit are included.

It suits travellers with moderate fitness, since the listing asks for that level of physical condition. Lunch is not included, though an optional traditional Romanian lunch can be arranged. Note that children under 14 are not allowed, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Carta MonasteryA 30-minute visit to the 13th-century Cistercian monastery, the setting of the movie The Nun. Admission ticket included.
2. Cincu Fortified ChurchA 35-minute stop at the medieval church with its 49 m tower and unusual altar. Admission is free here.
3. Seliștat sheepfoldThe longest stop, at 1 hour and 40 minutes, visiting a traditional sheepfold and tasting fresh milk products.
4. Movile hikeA 30-minute stop at Hundrubechiu for a short hike among Movile's natural mounds, with local legends explained along the way.
5. Stejărișu carriage rideA 1 hour 30 minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the village of Stejărișu, timed for before sunset.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of a day that mixes churches, hiking and animals.

• Fitness needed. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness. There is a short hike at Movile as part of the day.
• Bring cash. Lunch is not included, but an optional traditional Romanian lunch is offered. Bring money if you want to take that option.
• Dress for outdoors. You will be at a working sheepfold, on footpaths and on an open carriage. Sturdy shoes and layers for changing weather make the day easier.
• Private group. This is a private tour, so only your group participates. The guide speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.
• Weather matters. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Long day out. Expect roughly 11 to 12 hours door to door, ending with the carriage ride before sunset. Plan any evening arrangements in Sibiu accordingly.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and no children under 14 are allowed, which rules out some families. Lunch costs extra unless you skip it. Confirmation can take up to 48 hours if you book within 9 days of travel, subject to availability. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and the whole day depends on decent weather, since the carriage ride and hike are outdoors.

Common Questions